IMPROVING THE CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING THE DIGITAL MATURITY OF SMALL BUSINESSES IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

This article provides a scholarly examination of the improvement of criteria for assessing the digital development of small businesses in Uzbekistan. International digital maturity models are comparatively analyzed, and the principal limitations of their direct application to small businesses are identified. The improved UzSME-DDI is based on the behavioral indicators of its core module, a sector-specific supplementary module, distinct aspects of the regional digital environment, and levels of evidence reliability. The approach is shown to focus on diagnostics and the development of a clear enterprise-specific development roadmap rather than on ranking.